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Herbaceous Perennial

Phlomis russeliana
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Turkish sage

A hairy perennial to 90cm in height, with large, ovate, rough-textured grey to mid-green leaves, with a woolly white coating beneath. Stout stems bear whorls of hooded, soft yellow flowers 3cm in length from late spring to autumn

Synonyms
Phlomis samia Boiss.
Phlomis viscosa misapplied
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Yellow Green Grey Silver
Autumn Yellow Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Phlomis can be herbaceous perennials or evergreen shrubs, with sage-like leaves and whorls of tubular, hooded flowers over a long period in summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S Europe, SW Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; will tolerate partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring. Propagate by seed sown at 13-18°C in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 8 or pruning group 9

Pests

May be susceptible to leafhoppers

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)

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